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by Victor Gonzales, Lee County Game Warden

If you haven’t heard by now, the boat ramp at Nails Creek State Park is now open. Recent rain has raised the lake level approximately 2.5 - 3.5 feet from the ramp outward. There’s still plenty of debris to clog one’s motor, so be sure to check water pump flow if you venture into shallow water.

I was informed on Sunday that gates at the dam have been opened in expectation of predicted rain. It remains to be seen how long lake level will allow for safe navigation on the Nails Creek side. All Corps of Engineers, state and private parks are open, with the exception of Yegua Creek Park, which remains closed for repair.

Cat fishing is really good right now! Some of our local residents have done well on yellow cat, channel cat and blue cat. As far as white bass, they may have spawned out and returned to the lake because they are not being caught in numbers as weeks past. Crappie, on the other hand, are being caught in creeks and producing fair numbers. Most crappie fisherman stage structure piles in the lake which attract fish and makes for excellent fishing. Minnows are the bait of choice right now.